The Sunday 1s travelled to Ampthill for a friendly, which unfortunately ended in a loss but some good performances from two of the club’s younger players.
Ampthill batted first, with the Reed openers Michael Robertson (1-35) and Mitch “the Titch” Cooper (2-22) bowling well and keeping the run rate low. Ampthill lost 2 quick wickets with Robertson and Richard Johnson (1-39) picking up one each. Unfortunately instead of Reed kicking on and taking more wickets, the Ampthill batsmen both went onto make centuries before retiring. Following this Reed were more successful with their bowling and took five more wickets, with Massey Naeem (3-25) and Cooper both striking. Even though there were some good bowling performances, including that of J. Pallett, Ampthill went onto make a very competitive total of 265 from their 45 overs.
After tea Reed came out to bat with captain Marcus Martin and the club’s new boy Joe Curk. Unfortunately things didn’t start as well as hoped with Martin getting an unlucky duck. Curk however, showed some exciting shots to rush to 30, before being caught going for another big shot. Chris Jackson added 10, before Tom Greaves made a superb 60 showing patience and some fantastic shots against an experienced bowling attack. Greaves was supported by Matt Austin (3), Richard Johnson (20) who looked in good form, Rob Willoughby (13), and Naeem (23). Robertson (13) and Cooper (3 not out) added runs at the end, with Jason Pallett not worrying the scorers by being run out before facing a ball.
In the end Reed only made 192 all out in 41 overs, leaving themselves well short, but did try to make a game of it to the end. Man of the match was fought out between the youngsters Cooper and Greaves, with Cooper just edging it thanks to a very good bowling performance.
